Fundoplication—Endoscopic Surgery

Definition

Fundoplication is surgery to wrap the upper stomach around the lower esophagus. It reduces the amount of acid that enters the esophagus from the stomach. The procedure is done through an endoscope, which is a lighted tube with a camera on the end.

What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

X-ray
with contrast—to assess the level of reflux and evidence of damage

Endoscopy
—use of a tube attached to a viewing device called an endoscope to examine the inside of the lining of the esophagus and stomach;
a
biopsy
may also be taken

Manometry—a test to measure the muscular contractions inside the esophagus and its response to swallowing

Leading up to the surgery:

Talk to your doctor about your medications. You may be asked to stop taking some medications up to 1 week before the procedure.

Arrange for a ride to and from the hospital. Also, arrange for help at home.

The night before, eat a light meal. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight.

Anesthesia

General anesthesia
will be used. It will block any pain and keep you asleep through the surgery.

Description of the Procedure

This procedure does not require incisions. A lighted tube with a camera on the end, called an endoscope, will be inserted through your mouth and down the esophagus. The scope will reach the first part of the stomach. The stomach will then be wrapped around the esophagus. If needed, any hernia will be repaired.

How Long Will It Take?

Less than an hour

How Much Will It Hurt?

Anesthesia will prevent pain during surgery. Pain and discomfort after the procedure can be managed with medications.

Average Hospital Stay

2-3 days (may be more or less depending on your condition)

Post-procedure Care

At the Hospital

After surgery, you can expect the following:

Walk with assistance the day after surgery.

You will start by eating a liquid diet. You will slowly be able to eat more solid foods.

After a successful fundoplication, you may no longer need to take medications for GERD.

It will take a few days to 1 week to recover.

Preventing Infection

During your stay, the hospital staff will take steps to reduce your chance of infection, such as:

Washing their hands

Wearing gloves or masks

Keeping your incisions covered

There are also steps you can take to reduce your chance of infection, such as:

Washing your hands often and reminding visitors and healthcare providers to do the same

Reminding your healthcare providers to wear gloves or masks

Not allowing others to touch your incision

Call Your Doctor

Call your doctor if any of these occur:

Signs of infection, including fever and chills

Persistent nausea and/or vomiting

Increased swelling or pain in the abdomen

Difficulty swallowing that does not improve

Pain that you cannot control with the medications you have been given

Pain, burning, urgency or frequency of urination, or persistent bleeding in the urine

Cough, shortness of breath or chest pain

Any other new symptoms

If you think you are having an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away.

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.